https://growdiaries.com/diaries/300818-grow-journa...

Hey 👋 I had a look at your diary and the seedling, you’re actually doing more things right than wrong, so first: don’t stress. A few key points to understand what’s happening: ⸻ 🌱 Early seedling behavior (totally normal) At this stage, growth happens below the surface first. Before you see fast top growth, the plant is: • Building a taproot • Developing early root hairs • Anchoring itself So seeing slow above-ground progress at day 3–5 is completely normal, especially in cooler conditions. ⸻ 🌡️ Temperature & heat mat Your temps are on the warm side but acceptable: • 28–29°C in the seed tray is fine • Just make sure the heat mat isn’t overheating the root zone Tip: • Heat mats are best under the tray, not constantly maxed • If possible, cycle it or lift the tray slightly so roots stay warm, not hot Roots like warmth, but they also need oxygen. ⸻ 💧 Moisture & humidity dome From the photo, this is the one thing to watch closely. • The dome is very humid (which is fine early) • But the medium looks very wet • Rockwool / plugs + constant moisture can slow oxygen availability What I’d suggest: • Let the plug dry just slightly between misting • You don’t want dripping wet — you want moist + airy • Remove the dome for a short time once or twice a day to exchange air Seedlings love humidity, but roots still need oxygen. ⸻ 🌿 Light & expectations At this size: • The plant doesn’t need strong light yet • Gentle light above is perfect • No stretching = good sign Once the first true leaves start to expand, you’ll see growth speed up noticeably. ⸻ 🧠 Big picture (important) Nothing here looks wrong or stalled. You’re in the patience phase, not the problem phase. Right now: Stem visible Cotyledons healthy First true leaves forming No discoloration or collapse That’s success. ⸻ ✅ What I’d do next (simple steps) • Keep temps stable • Ease back slightly on moisture • Vent the dome daily • Don’t feed yet (EC 0.23 is fine right now) • Let the seedling do its thing Within a few days, once roots establish, growth will become much more obvious. ⸻ You’re doing fine, early seedlings just test everyone’s patience 😄 Keep updating the diary, and feel free to ask questions along the way. That’s how everyone learns 🌱 Growers Love and Keep us posted 💚💚💚